Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible odourless, colourless gas and experts believe that many more cases are going undiagnosed as people mistake symptoms for cold and flu.

The so-called ‘silent killer’ is particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and pregnant women. Every day four people will go to hospital with CO poisoning. This teamed with the recent alert that cases of flu are at a five-year high, means the risk of misdiagnosis is high. Latest figures suggest that despite it being late in the flu season, more than 320 people were admitted to hospital with the illness in recent weeks.

Supporting Project SHOUT is former England International rugby player, Simon Halliday who suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning. Simon and his partner were living in a rented flat in London and for several weeks the couple had been feeling confused, dizzy, lethargic and put it down the arrival of winter and perhaps the onset of the common flu virus not thinking it could be anything more serious.

Dr. Ellie Cannon, said: “The main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, weakness and chest pain – all things which are frequently associated with a bad cold or illness. It is important to act quickly if you have any of these symptoms and visit your local GP.”

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